Following Liverpool’s 4-0 dismantling of Real Madrid at Anfield last midweek, France legend Zinedine Zidane described Steven Gerrard as “the best player in the world.”
“Is he the best in the world? He might not get the attention of Messi and Ronaldo but yes, I think he just might be.
“No team will be successful without a heartbeat and you can see Gerrard is that heartbeat.
“He has great passing ability, can tackle and scores goals, but most importantly he gives the players around him confidence and belief.
“You can’t learn that — players like him are just born with that presence.”
Normally, Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi saturate arguments about the best player in the world. Whether Gerrard belongs in this discussion, depends on the criteria.
Gerrard deserves consideration based on talent. He’s a skillful player with uncanny vision. He’s innovative with a flair for the dramatic. He’s dangerous on set pieces and in space. His instincts allow him to do things no one else would ponder. He’s one of the few players in world football who can truly pull a goal out of his ass, against the run of play.
It’s this ability that commands the respect of current and former players.
Though Gerrard displays none of the requisite maturity off the pitch, he deserves respect as a decent leader. He’s neither overbearing nor bullish like a John Terry or a Rio Ferdinand, but remains as effective. Whether Gerrard is “the heartbeat,” whether he makes those around him better and whether he has a strange magic are not important. It is important is that his teammates believe it.
Gerrard’s a striking talent and a leader. Experienced and playing at his peak, he has led his team to trophies, including the Champions League. Unfortunately, it requires more than mere talent to be the best player.
Steven Gerrard has the raw ability necessary to be the greatest, but, despite his years of experience, it’s still raw. He can achieve greatness through his instincts and innovation, but the routine fundamentals mastered by those with less ability, often stymie him.
Gerrard attacks with spirit, but without measurement, dashing into a hopeless positions and losing the ball. He’ll overrun passes. He’ll attempt the impossible. He’ll squander opportunities, rather than hold possession. If Gerrard was an artist, he would paint the most brilliant surreal paintings, yet struggle with a basic portrait.
He’s a brilliant match of the day player. His highlight makes the reel. His fifteen poor decisions that preceded it disappear from consciousness.
Gerrard plays in a free role in Liverpool’s system. He plays in a free role, because he can’t man a position. It’s why Benitez takes him out late in games. It’s why he has been marooned on the right wing at times. He plays only the Steven Gerrard way, the mark of a man whose talent eviscerated necessary criticism too early in his career.
Gerrard flourishes in a Liverpool system designed to account for him, and falters when he leaves this flattering ten-man embrace to play for England. Gerrard and Lampard generally do not play well together. Because Lampard won’t scurry behind the line cleaning up Gerrard’s mess.
Steven Gerrard equals anyone on talent, but his inability to maximize it brings him down a notch. Gerrard is not on the transcendent Zidane, Platini or Cryuff level. He’s a very rich man’s Robbie Keane.
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Andy
August 11, 2010 at 5:44 pm
Yes, Steven Gerrard is the best player in the world. PERIOD!
@b$_h0que
June 4, 2010 at 11:20 am
any of you that say that gerrard is no where near ronaldo or messi or kaka then you are pure dumb because gerrard is one of the worlds greatest player oh and by the way kaka is a flop!steven gerrard is the best player in the world!!! and don’t even think about saying kaka is good because his just a flop!Both england and liverpool got the worlds best player in their teams because steven gerrard is the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OfficerDribble
May 23, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Just watch a top ten goals compilation on youtube. You could forget everything else he ever did or didn’t do on a football pitch – the outrageousness of his greatest goals eclipses almost anything you’ve ever seen, bar (Brazilian) Ronaldo. No midfielder has ever thumped in the amount of vital match-winning wonder goals, as Steven Gerrard. He needs to move abroad and shine in Spain or Italy, to cement his status as one of the best ever. His England record is unfortunate, but a lot of that has been down to the quality of the players and management around him. On his day, he’s one of the all time greats. If he was a true glamour boy, he’d have been world player of the year by now without question.
Danielle
May 21, 2010 at 8:28 am
Gerrard is the greatest player ever!
@b$_h0que
April 22, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Steven Gerrard is the best there is no doubt he is my favorite footballer he is the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
yurista
April 19, 2010 at 3:01 am
steven is the one of best player in the world…
Quinn Cureton
April 14, 2010 at 2:38 pm
He is “not even close to Messi or Kaka”. Sorry, but I have to address this for everyone who actually believes this, and for those who have recently witnessed Messi’s rampage of late. Anyone who knows football or “soccer” as it is called in the States knows how much goes into a player’s overall ability and value to a team. I will list important attributes between Messi and Gerrard and please let me know if you disagree:
Speed: Messi, Strengh: Gerrard, Passing: Gerrard, Shooting: Gerrard, Finishing: Even, Dribbling: Messi, Heading: Gerrard, Defending: Gerrard, Tackling: Gerrard, Leadership/Heart/Inspiration: Gerrard…Based on my in-depth statistical analysis, Gerrard beats Messi 7-2-1. Let me reiterate that Messi is without question one of the best players in the world, but not as good as Gerrard. He plays on a loaded team (Barcelona) in a worse league than Gerrard (premiership>La Liga). So…Even though Messi is fantastic I guess what I am trying to say is that fancier does not equal better. This is true across all sports. The only thing that might change my mind is if I see Messi lead Argentina deep in the World Cup – could happen. Gerrard is certainly a more complete player, and saying he doesn’t compare to Messi, Kaka, Ronaldo, Lampard (haha) is pure bollocks. – Q
@b$_h0que
April 11, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Steven Gerrard is my all-time favorite footballer he always has been since i was little.I made the decision myself when i was little to make him my favorite footballer by seeing the way he plays.He will always be my favorite footballer and i am not ashamed to say that.So i definitely think that he is the worlds best footballer.Steven Gerrard is the best!!!
@b$_h0que
March 30, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Steven Gerrard is the worlds best footballer there is no doubt!His the best and don’t you forget that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
john speedie
February 17, 2010 at 3:47 pm
i really think arsenal are horrible. iwas hoping for stoke to bea man city yesterday but they drawed so unforchanly we are fifth i hope we get to the champions leage next season.
john speedie
February 17, 2010 at 3:39 pm
hey you are the best player in the world but anyway i support liverpool and i hope your manger never lets you leave.
Nashaad LFC
October 18, 2009 at 3:25 am
Gerrard can play everywhere on the pitch. He scores , tackle, inspirational and is an awesome leader. Do you think only Zizou say that gerrard is the best? Recently, even lampard said gerrard is the best. You have got Ian rush , kenny dalgish , alex ferguson, rooney , fabregas , Guus hiddink , Xavi , Rnaldhino and many more? Are these people drunk wen saying that?
You have to believe that gerrard is the most complete player ever seen on the pitch. He is a player which is very difficult to play against? If u don’t believe what I am saying , then go and watch every match where ronaldo tried to dribble gerrard? He could never pass gerrard..For instance , portugal vs england for Euro 2004..Stevie G ran shoulder to shoulder against him and tackled the ball without even touching his feet? Tell Messi or Kaka to tackle one player? They will score goals , dribble players but never tackled? So , I care a damn with what others say? For me and every true liverpool fan and those individuals who know about football will always say that a player like Stevie G is born one in a billion and that he is the best player in the world…
Quinn Cureton
September 29, 2009 at 2:23 am
Gerrard is the best player in the world. Ask yourself this question…If you were starting a team and could take one player to start your team with who would it be? For me it is easily GERRARD. What separates him is he is a better leader than all of these other players you are comparing him to. I don’t know if you all watch basketball, but Gerrard is more like Jordan (legendary, unstoppable)…Where as these other players are like McGrady (fantastic scorer, brilliant, but can’t put a team on his back and will a victory). Gerrard can and has proven it…From central midfield too
Cam
September 17, 2009 at 6:56 am
I almost threw up when I saw this….Gerrard is good, but not the best! Ronny is still Number 1, followed closely by Kaka and Messi. I dunno if Stevie G would go well anywhere outside of England, would be good to see him playing for Barca or Madrid but that will never happen =(
Chris
September 16, 2009 at 11:52 pm
You sir. are a prick. This is a shite read and its is easy to see you are a rival fan on Liverpools. Someone who would secretly love Gerrard in there team but would never admit too it. You know Steven is the most complete player in the world. Your awful comparision to Robbie.Keane shows how hard you must of tried to come up with somthing to insult his footballing skills. Lets face it… you know it and I know it Steven Gerrard is the best footballer in the world.
Redman
July 2, 2009 at 2:59 am
Ridiculous article.
Gerrards is one of the best passers in the game, he is fast, skillful, has an eye for goal, never has a bad game, sees things other players will never see, can tackle better then most defenders, is inspirational and truly exceptional.
And your point is what? That he tries to hard sometimes? Or is it that because he is doing most of the work he tends to make mistakes? Ridiculous. Absolutely stupid.
Steven Gerrard is one the best players in the world and even on an off-day (very rare) he would walk into any team EVER. Possibly the first name on the team sheet.
paul w
June 28, 2009 at 12:35 pm
lampard learned to be a great player stevie g was born a great player!!!!!
nathanbentley
June 19, 2009 at 3:53 am
lampard has been the better player this season but overall steven gerrard is the better player
JLay
June 11, 2009 at 5:18 pm
I’m a United fan, but I’d trade anyone on our roster for Gerrard or Michael Essien.
Afif Muhammad
June 9, 2009 at 7:03 am
whatever you all says the best player in the world still GERRARD!!!!YNWA
jimebell
June 9, 2009 at 5:05 am
im with mark and rndlc
takes balls to admit even though they are biggest rivals.
im a tottenham fan.it was us that messed liverpools chances imo
but if i could have any player in the world..it would have to be gerrard
for too many reasons.he would add heart and fight to the team.and not only that he would score many goals…
STEVEN GERRARD IS LIKE SPARTAN.NEVER GIVES UP..
ohh id take torres from liverpool too jus to wind em up
rndlc
June 9, 2009 at 4:52 am
WTF not even close to kaka and messi u say…..
ok what is it that kaka and messi can do that gerrard cant????????
by too many legendary players gerrard has been named the most complete player in this world today.and u people are clearly deluded and jus bitter and hate liverpool every 1 knows that. im a man u fan
but a very open minded 1 that speaks the truth..gerrard has no weakness.hes strong.he carrys his weight well.he can score from practically any where. there is no weakness to him..get it in your stubborn heads,,,,and plz stop comparing gerrard and lamp….i think millions know that gerrard is twice the man..and has much bigger heart…
i love rooney…but if there was a vote..gerrard is the best player in the world and i hate saying it
Legend
June 8, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Gerrard brought me tears of joy in both Istanbul and Cardiff. I love football, I love my captain. This amazing article elicited all these great responses from people. Great polemic writing from an absolute tit. What a whoppa!
lewis
May 31, 2009 at 9:40 am
by far the best player in the world.
Quayson
March 31, 2009 at 5:53 am
I think Steven Gerrad deserves to be crowned the World Best Player.He is
an extraordinary legend on the pitch when it comes to danger.
He neither give up nor lose action.Thanks be to God for giving him all this
skills and ability.Amen
carlos tamayo
March 31, 2009 at 5:43 am
im sorry who the hell do u think you are man….. this should be erased and burned , that is the most pathetic thing i’ve ever seen , a hater doing the only thing that he can do “HATE” you wish you can have gerrard in front of you so you can tell him how much you hate him for being such of a good player and the much that you hate him because he always lead us to the victory , leave that lets say not victory . how he scores or make the play or take an exelent freekick or a cornerkick …. or maybe those penalty !!! i know i know his armbrand maybe you hate him cuz he is a captain and lampard isn’t …. i dont know but you have to learn something about football…. Steven Gerrard Has a Big Heart used in something that he does best (PLAY FOOTBALL) and making us (LFC Fans) proud and happy … and not only the Liverpool fans , all the people arround the world who can sit in their couches and enjoy a good game of football! THX STEVEN GERRARD! THE BEST PLAYER EVER!!!
ibrar
March 24, 2009 at 6:20 am
I am a MAN U FAN! And i know a sad pathetic hater when i see one.
What is this article? biggest load of CRAP. Go work in TESCOS and dont put a pen to paper ever again. Your an IDIOT, pathetic
this article sounds like a man u fan being destroyed by gerrard leading his team, and going on a rant about him being a
terrible player.
What man u need is to lose RONALDO and gain GERRARD.
Fact. Gerrard = best player in world.
Why? Not the most skillful, but best overall.
Great passing, great shooting, great morale, inspirational, dedicated, smart play, powerful and commited till the whistle
blows. Thats why liverpool come back from goals down and score so much close to 90 minutes or in extra time. Because
Gerrard never gives up. Alot of teams lack that faultless dedication, commitment.
BTW is Zinedane Zidane says Gerrards the best then he is, cos he was the best and always will be.
Jomy Mooken
March 24, 2009 at 5:02 am
I liked whatever you wrote:)
Mark
March 23, 2009 at 8:23 pm
That’s the worst write up of a fantastic player that I’ve ever seen and I’m a Man Utd fan!!! We may hate the enemy (Liverpool) but we would be over the moon if Gerrard was playing for us. The fact is if the TRUE fans of football are being fair then Steven Gerrard is an amazing footballer. Ronaldo and Messi are fantastic players as well, but the fact is, when on his game, Steven Gerrard is clearly the best player in the world by a long way. Name another player who can play 10 positions on the pitch (except in goal of course) to a world class level. Only Steven Gerrard can do that. If we are to be fair, and honest, Gerrard (on form) which is very often, is probably the best (all round) player that’s ever lived. I may support Manchester United but the fact is Steven Gerrard is one of a kind. He is clearly the best player in the world.
ross
June 11, 2009 at 5:05 pm
completely agree..on his form he is definitely the best player in the world..sure messi, ronaldo, kaka are good skillful players but they dont have the motivation or inspiration that gerrard can provide to a team. Leading the greatest comeback in european cup and champions league history by inspiring the rest of his team is an example of this. Also with performances against real madrid and man united as well as aston villa this season. messi and ronaldo are talked about more for scoring spectacular goals or having better skill but gerrard provides more and i quote the “heartbeat” of a team.
ish
March 17, 2009 at 9:53 pm
yep lampard is much more consistent and has a stronger mental aspect to his game then gerrard does. Lampard is a true midfielder one who gets the ball and makes correct decision quickly. He is also older the gerrard and doesnt have the pace or power that gerrard has so he had to learn to rely on those aspects of his game. Now that said gerrard in terms of pure importance as lets say a number 10 is easily the best player playing in the premier league. The guy is a beast and sometimes who need to try those stuff ups to produce a moment of brilliance. Messi’s runs dont always pull off and neither do ronaldo’s pot shots but when they do they change the game. Gerrard also doesnt try dumb shit in his own area only inside the opponents box when you need to be daring to make things happen. Lampard is in someways too safe with his playing compared to gerrard. Gerrard is the italian fantasista kind of player, one who does just one or two moment of brilliance in an entire game but because of that he wins the game. He probably isnt the best at the moment because generally he plays in a way that isnt exactly beautiful to watch just very effective.
Chris Walker
March 16, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Its amazing how liverpool fans gets s upset over their ‘Stevie G’. There is n doubt that Gerrard is always a contender for being one of the top 10 but he simply isnt anywhere near as good as Messi. Then theres Gerrard’s England career he’s anonymous in 80% of games. Call me controversial but Frank Lampard has been more consistent than Gerrard for both club and country. In terms of ability Gerrard has more than Frank but simply isnt as consistent. No doubt the reds fans here will be spitting feathers now , Gerrard is a very VERY good player and would be an asset to any team. But he isnt even the best player at his club, that honour belongs to Torres who is surely the best striker on the planet right now. He operates on the same level as Ronaldo, Rooney, Fabregas, Lampard, Drogba, Henry, Torres, Ronaldinho -i could on for ten mins with that list.
I
Alex
June 19, 2009 at 2:49 am
The fact that Gerrard USED to be anonymous for England does help in your justification of saying he isn’t the best but in England’s matches recently he has been a champion. And what happens to Messi in Argentina games? Or Ronaldo in Portugal ones?
Paul Bestall
March 16, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Messi is on a different level to Gerrard, completely. With a goal return of almost 50%, I think that says it all. Gerrard has scored 114 goals in 476 games, Messi has 71 in 148 games and Kaka has scored more than Gerrard (119) and played almost a 100 games less. Messi has scored more goals this season than Gerrard did in his first 5 for Liverpool. That tells you who the better finisher and striker of the ball is.
Gerrards assist record is dreadful as well in comparison with both Messi and Kaka.
When Gerrard can beat 6 players and run 80 yards to score a goal then he can rightly come close to saying he’s the best player in the world. Gerrards a great player, but best in the world? Not a chance.
Giorgio
March 16, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Ok, this discussion is closed. No more comments. And it is final: GERRARD IS THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD. Thank you for all your comments and have a nice day.
Pleb
March 16, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Doesn’t come close to messi or Kaka????? the only thing they do better is take players on with skill, he can shoot as well as them both if not better + finishing can prob head a ball better than either of them, he can pass as well as them, he can tackle far better than either of them, he’s more of a leader than them. Hes won more trophys than them, argubly because messi is still young! What kind of attributes do Messi or Kaka apart from the ability to beat a man with ease do they possess that Stevie doesn’t???
Reece liverpool an
June 16, 2009 at 3:59 pm
this man speaks th truth. and he has a much better passing abilty then both good man
Paul Bestall
March 16, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Gerrard, is on his day one of the best players in the world, but best?
He’s not even close to Messi and Kaka.
Gary Hunt
March 16, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Crap.
Darius Gelich
March 16, 2009 at 1:45 pm
It’s definitely Rooney writing this article.
jamie - everton fan
March 16, 2009 at 9:03 am
i am sorry but this is bollox .. i mean he doesnt come close to ronaldo or messi .. or even in fact lampard .. this article is such crap
Reece liverpool an
June 16, 2009 at 3:57 pm
shut up yu stpid idiot hes better than lampard and u cat cmpare him with ronald becasue there wingers a hes a centre you fool you no nothing about the game hes englands finst talent and one midfielders of all time
Everton4ever
March 16, 2009 at 8:21 am
This is the most stupid article I’v ever read :p Is it Wayne Rooney trying to become a writer here ? :p
Bestplayerintheworld
March 16, 2009 at 7:33 am
Zidane brings some new talking points to the best player debate.
Don’t forget that in January Guus Hiddink also called Gerrard the Best Player in the World:
http://thebestplayerintheworld2009.blogspot.com/2009/01/hiddink-says-gerrard-is-best-player-in.html
One good question that comes out of this is: does the Best Player need to be great for his team or should he simply be judged on his individual skill?
Here’s what Hiddink had to say about last year’s Best Player, Cristiano Ronaldo:
“Of course, Ronaldo entertains the crowds and has great skills. But it is too much glamour and show. Gerrard, Barcelona’s Xavi and Messi are not as much focused on themselves. They focus on the team.”
~ Vote at bestplayerintheworld.com ~
EG
March 16, 2009 at 3:49 am
i think none of the footballers in this world qualified to be labelled as the Best Player..coz i think it’s too general..there are so many things to be debate on only to pick a name for this award.when zizou voice out his opinion,,saying gerrard is the best player,,then he is the best player in the world in zidane’s view.why do we have to make a big fuss on that statement??gerrard shines in his own ways and of course,,he’s a complete player.and no doubt there are other players too,,which is a complete player..so i guess,,there cant be The Best Player In The World here..every football player got his own ability an talent,,so why dont we judge them on The Most Talented or The Most Complete Player In The World rather than arguing on zidane’s statement,,which i believe one of the Best Player In The World too..
harold najashi
March 16, 2009 at 3:33 am
This is by far the dumbest article I’ve ever read. LOL. WHo wrote this? Rooney?! It stinks of Man United depression. Gerrard is one player that Fergie dreams of having in his team. Please, pull that ronaldo pedastal out your ass and put on a thinking cap.
Giorgio
March 15, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Gerro is the worst player in the world. We, at LFC are glad he’s playing for us. By the way, someone will be bidding GBP 80 mil for the worst player in the world. Ronnypuss & Rooneypuss can kiss each other’s ar$e.
David Moore
March 15, 2009 at 9:22 pm
NO
Tyson
March 15, 2009 at 9:09 pm
This is a fair article.
Did you ever think for all the anaylsing we do of players from all around the world the thing that we miss the most is what they contribute to the club and how they drive their club forward?
This is one of the most confusing things for me why would you rate a single player in a team game. You could have the best player on the planet but if he is incapable of driving his team further towards trophies he doesn’t belong in the best anything bracket.
End of the day this is a team sport and unless your going out there and winning trophies you have no special player.
Messi has been the crux of Barcelonas season and without him they wouldnt be pwning in La Liga. It’s the same with Ronaldo his contribution to United last year was certainly visible.
Take all the semantics out of it and just think about it from a statistical point of view. Gerrard the best player in the world has driven his side to how many Premier Leagues since being at the club for 11 years?
RedMan
March 15, 2009 at 8:22 pm
loool@gooner…come on now…fabregas is a good player but gerrard is someone he undoubtedly aspires to be like..he’s still in pampers for pete’s sake!
ArthurArseGooner
March 15, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Gerrard needs to thank Torres’ mother for bringing Fernando into the world.
ArthurArseGooner
March 15, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Cesc Fabregas is better than Steven Gerrard.
kenneth
March 15, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I never takepart in these discunnionboards, and now i understand why. Howcan you people read this kind of shitty article ???
The article is unbelievabla, i still can’t beleive why i read it all
jm
March 15, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Oh sure, (b) is based on the belief in (a). I take tyduffy’s point to be just that though.
As to the talent point, that’s certainly a fair dispute. Tyduffy was arguing that Gerrard does not live up to his talent. I think that’s a fair point to dispute, but I had taken your point to be that tyduffy was wrong to imply there were other things than talent. If you were disputing his claims about living up to it, then fair play, I misread you.
adrian
March 15, 2009 at 6:26 pm
yees it’s the best in the world …YNWA LIVERPOOL
Jeff
March 15, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Throughout history, the Worlds best player has always been recognised because of their qualities in a specific position, Gerrard breaks that mould.
In his current position he is without doubt one of the worlds finest, however it’s his ability all over the pitch that makes him stand out head and shoulders above the rest.
What other player in World football could you ask to play in any position on the pitch, and know that he would be able to perform at the level Gerrard would and has. (Remember Istanbul 2005, when he was asked to play right back and was absolute class despite being completely knackered.)
In conclusion, I think Gerrard is the best player in the world, and in time without doubt, will be recognised as one of the true greats in the history of World football.
Personally, I cannot remember any player in history who possessed the range of skills that Gerrard currently possesses.
Conor
March 15, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Yes Stevie G is possibly the best player in the world, a rich mans Robbie Keane? what crap you talk, you mention ronaldo suggesting he is best player in the world, what about his 10 dives a match, numerous crap passses, tons of pointless flicks and tricks, millions of freekicks which maybe 1 in 20 are a decent effort, Simple Fact is Gerrard is up with the best in the world (kaka, xavi, messi, torres)
gee
March 15, 2009 at 6:18 pm
jm,
On your two points…
Firstly… (b) can only really be true if his teammates believe (a) is also.
Secondly… Regarding talent… You make a fair point in general. But you must bear in mind the context of the article.
It’s not about Theo Walcott… It’s about a man who has played in consecutive cup finals, has goals and winners medals across a ten years span. Has almost every medal possible and is the driving force behind a successful team.
In other words… He qualifies on every count… making the original authors comment pointless.
jm
March 15, 2009 at 5:52 pm
I’m not sure any of us deserve to be harassed for arguing for a position in public space. We certainly do open ourselves up for criticism (and harsh at that, I myself am sometimes guilty of being too harsh which I freely admit). While “idiot” may have been fresh in my mind from Gee’s post, the fact that Gee addressed the points of the article is the right sort of way to go about responding. It actually has force in undermining the position that so many have deemed incorrect (and if you are interested in “teaching” the author, that is also a far more effective means).
As to the content of Gee’s reply, two brief points:
First, on the point of “making the teammates better” I take tyduffy’s point to be a contrast between (a) making teammates better through quantifiable contributions on the pitch, so as passes which find players in positions in which they are more likely to succeed, and (b) making teammates better through psychological effect. The author’s point is that whether or not (a) is true, (b) is, and that adds to his value. I take it that both you and tyduffy agree that (b) is important.
The second brief point I want to make concerns the “talent” comment. Talent typically refers to a disposition rather than a set of actions. As such, it seems to be prima facie obvious that a player can be full of talent but not be the best player in the world. A player also must actualize the talent and employ it consistently, and probably also has to play on a team good enough to make use of that talent (good teams and good players are symbiotic). This is on the supposition that “best player” refers to a series of results and a particular use of talent, while talent is a necessary but not sufficient condition for “best player” status. (To use an example from my own club, I think Theo Walcott has been a player with oodles of talent and has been becoming increasingly consistent in his use of it [of course, not to suggest he belongs in the “best player” debate]).
Django
March 15, 2009 at 5:43 pm
One of the biggest points of contention is, “It’s why Benitez takes him out late in games,” said in reference to his lack of ability to hold a position. I’ll be the first to agree that he has a tendency to roam the pitch, but under Benitez he is rarely subbed off late in games. I would venture a guess that you’re thinking of the derby at Goodison last season when Lucas came on and Rafa later said that Gerrard was playing too emotionally. Other than that, however, the only late substitutions that are made are due to recovering/suffering injury or that the result is already decided.
I also don’t think you’re correct to say he displays “none” of the requisite maturity off the pitch–obviously the incident earlier in the year was well publicized, but other than that the only time his name has made the headlines for off-pitch incidents has been positive. For me he’s been able to remain relatively anonymous–at least being stateside I don’t hear as much about his activities off the pitch as I did earlier in his career.
It’s funny that you compliment him as a “great match of the day player,” when one of the biggest criticisms others have lodged is that he goes missing in big games. Yesterday against United and Tuesday against Madrid were great showings, but in truth he has struggled getting on the score sheet in “matches of the day.” This year in league he’s scored against Bolton, Portsmouth, Everton, Middlesbrough, Hull, Blackburn, Newcastle, and United. Two of those could be considered matches of the day, the rest are against clubs outside the top ten.
I don’t bedgrudge you not thinking he’s the best player in the world, because it’s a matter of opinion and it’s an arbitrary label anyhow. But I do think you’ve done poorly in reporting factual information and made some generalizations based off isolated incidents.
Darius Gelich
March 15, 2009 at 5:43 pm
There is an ‘exceptional’ bracket of players in the world. I was discussing it with my dad this morning (an Arsenal fan) and we both agreed that Gerrard fell into that bracket, our list was (in no particular order):
Messi
Kaka
Gerrard
Essien
C Ronaldo
Players who are basically special, you get amazing players who are just about there like Torres, Fabregas, Xavi, Villa, etc. But those players above are just exceptional and its hard to pick the ‘best’.
RedMan
March 15, 2009 at 5:43 pm
So i suppose Messi and Ronaldo and all the other supposed “best players in the world” have no flaws then?!hmmmmm…there is no such thing as a perfect player but if you add up the attributes of all the candidates i think you will agree Gerrard is the closest to being the complete player
EG
March 15, 2009 at 5:36 pm
the words used for the writer by the repliers may be harsh,but he got to stand for it.he took some risks to write this debatable article,,he got to be ready to receive some sticks from those who disagree with it.that will make him be more careful next time and soon,,he’ll write better.
Rossi
March 15, 2009 at 5:35 pm
agree with gee
Darius Gelich
March 15, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Well said Gee. Very impressive response.
gee
March 15, 2009 at 5:33 pm
If you were referring to me, jm, with the ‘idiot’ comment then you should note that I used it only once… and it was well deserved. 🙂
Rossi
March 15, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Ah yes one more thing, for all those who say he cant man a position or whatever, the reason he doesn’t play centre mif for liverpool is because benitez likes to play with 2 holding midfielders and played gerrard out on the right where he would have more license to get forward and also now playing him off torres. This is done by benitez because he knows gerrard is the best and wants him in positions where he can win a match meaning in and around the box, watch how he plays now in that position, he closes down but he doesnt track back, thats coz benitez wants him higher up the pitch
jm
March 15, 2009 at 5:27 pm
What frightful abuse! When people post things that one disagrees with, it is of little use to carry on and call people names. Why leave the incorrect view with the more rationally compelling case? (Even if tyduffy is not correct, he has certainly given a better case than “idiot”!) Fervent disagreement is a virtue, but there is no reason for it to devolve into name calling.
On one issue of substance, maarc issued the challenge: “All those who critisise Gerrard ask yourself would you want him in your team? You know the answer.” Note, however, the context of tyduffy’s critique of Gerrard, within the context of “is he the best player in the world?” not “would I want him on my team?” I think the answer to the former question is “no” but the answer to the second is “yes, obviously.” While the reference to Robbie Keane was no doubt incendiary, the author surely does not mean to imply that Gerrard is anything less than an excellent footballer. Rather, it is that he has a series of flaws (all of which are of course debatable, and should be debated as some have done in reply) which keep him from measuring up to the other contenders for the rarefied air of “best in the world.”
Rossi
March 15, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Pepe Reina better all round footballer
Tackling – Remember the tackle on Robben, when he got sent off
Passing – Great all round distribution
Good feet
Shooting – never missed the target although never had a shot
Quick
bald
good positioning.
Just to name a few.
Ok maybe this comment is a load of crap, but no worse than the article
nobody is perfect, but he’s probably the best all round footballer. Considering many fans of other clubs say liverpool are a 1 man team, probably 2 now but shouldn’t they just think if thats the case then, he does pretty well on his own considering he’s won every club honour, part from premiership, and also the only player to have scored in a carling cup final, fa cup final, uefa cup final and a champions league final. The best players perform in the big games, need i say more!
I also agree with whoever said Ronaldo doesn’t perform against the big boys, but he is still class 54 goals in 67 games, which is incredible.
EG
March 15, 2009 at 5:22 pm
i am so damn agree with Gee.you just humiliating yourself here.learn more how to write an article..or probably you should learn how to rate a player first,,then only you can learn how to write an article~
Gee
March 15, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Why am I even bothering to answer this crap article?
Well, I guess since the author took the time to write it.. and I wasted my time reading t.. I should at least devote a few seconds to telling him what I think of it….
I could dissect it and pick apart every incorrect point…. but there are so many and I don’t have all week!
But here are some of my favourites that made me actually lol!
“Whether Gerrard is “the heartbeat,” whether he makes those around him better [is] not important. It is important is that his teammates believe it.”
Ermm.. if his teammates believe it then it’s clearly very bloody important! And they do believe it.. you only have to spend a few moments listening to what they say.. and how many have talked of the pleasure of playing with the best in the world.
“Unfortunately, it requires more than mere talent to be the best player.”
Does it? What does it require? A bus pass? A Carrier bag full of brown envelopes? Your tongue up Slur Alex’s bottom?
Idiot. 😀
“the routine fundamentals mastered by those with less ability, often stymie him.”
The routine fundamentals like running, passing, heading, positioning and shooting, you mean?
Because Gerrard is very good at those fundamentals… I wonder which fundamentals you mean… perhaps you mean more fundamental stuff like diving, playing for manchester united or barcelona, having a nice haircut?
Yes.. I’ll admit Gerrard is not so good at those…
“He plays in a free role, because he can’t man a position. …. It’s why he has been marooned on the right wing at times.”
Ah.. so the right wing is not actually a position, then?
Riiiight.
“Gerrard and Lampard generally do not play well together. Because Lampard won’t scurry behind the line cleaning up Gerrard’s mess.”
That’s true. Lampard tries to do what Gerrard does.. but he can’t. And it usually goes wrong. He should stick to do doing what he does best and play for and off Gerrard. Then he won’t get in the way so much!
“He’ll attempt the impossible.”
Yes, you silly man, he will attempt the impossible…. and more often than *anyone else* he’ll achieve it.
That, my not very well educated friend, is *why* he IS the best in the world.
maarc
March 15, 2009 at 4:47 pm
The boy is sheer class and as a liverpool fan who watches him reguarly it really is a privellage to see him in his peak.
How many other fans can honestly say that?
He is probably the most influential player Liverpool F.C have ever had and that includes king kenny “you only remember how good something was when its gone”
All those who critisise Gerrard ask yourself would you want him in your team?
You know the answer.
If there is a better all round player in World football please do your best and tell me?
Darius Gelich
March 15, 2009 at 4:41 pm
What a ridiculous article.
Gerrard hardly gives the ball away. fact. what an idiot writer.
The Gaffer
March 15, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Excellent article Ty. Gerrard is a riddle wrapped up in an enigma. I’ve spoken to several football experts. Some say he’s a genius. Others say he’s extremely overrated. To me, I think he leans closer to being a genius but, just like anyone, he’s not perfect and has room for improvement.
Cheers,
The Gaffer
Raatzie
March 15, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Certainly, you have more knowledge and a better vantage point from which to evaluate than does Zizou.
Because you . . .
. . . what are you again?
Tricky (Liverpool Fan)
March 15, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Left out the point of my example, he will be remembered for the peno goal and kissing the camera
EG
March 15, 2009 at 4:10 pm
god.how come you have the guts to write these nonsense??
think before you write please!
stupid article ever!
Tricky (Liverpool Fan)
March 15, 2009 at 4:09 pm
I think there is a bit of truth in this article, although I don’t agree with your general point, it is true that Gerrard will make 15 or so dreadful passes or even decisions rather than say play the simple ball and be remembered for that one moment of magic. For example, he did not have the best of games against United (passing a mess, should of socred a second), but what a player, Ronaldo is nt a patch on him, all of what you said could easily be said of Ronaldo too and any player for that matter. But when it comes to the crunch Gerrard will always deliver no matter who we play, can that be said of Ronaldo? No, Aurélio destroyed him yesterday, which usually happens EVERY TIME Ronaldo plays against the big guns.
On current form it would be extremely fair to rate Gerrard as the best player the world
AK
March 15, 2009 at 4:05 pm
crapically written.save this article for other player please.are you keane’s biggest fan?because it seems like you overrated him.gerrard may not be the best player in the world,,but no one can question his contributions to lfc n england.that makes him the best player in the eyes of smone that watched him play!but you can be the best writer..by writing crap articles..the Crappest Writer award is yours.keep it for good~
Mick Sanders
March 15, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Nonsense
YNWA
March 15, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Probably, this article was written by a VERY and STILL very very hurt, MANURE fan,…..go back to ONE-FOUR knox and, GET A LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!….Oops
YNWA
March 15, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Probably, this article was written by a VERY and STILL very very hurt, MANURE fan,…..go back to ONE-FOUR knox and, GET A LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!
YNWA
March 15, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Probably, this article was written by a VERY and STILL very very hurt, MANURE fan,…..go back to ZERO_FOUR knox and, GET A LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!
Football Fan
March 15, 2009 at 3:54 pm
This is probably the worst article ever written. Flawed, biased and generally non-sensical. Keep the day job…
E
March 15, 2009 at 3:52 pm
crap.silly article.u must be he’s biggest enemy.come on.not every player can shine in every single time he plays.anyone can be the best player in the world.what’s the matter with that?it’s not like they getting money on dat statement.zidane juz being a pro,,by praising sm1 who has a job as same as him.fair enough.up to you if you dont think he’s not the best player in the world.do you think he actually bothered??no.dont write an article bout him if you dont know him!
eplnfl
March 15, 2009 at 3:48 pm
If he is the best player in the world I would not know. Clearly he is least appreciated player in the world. How many other and lesser players in England alone get more attention in the media then him.
WG
March 15, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Poor article. You have clearly never watched Gerrard play for Liverpool for 90 mins.
Ridiculous… probably one of the worst football articles iv ever read.
DR_C
March 15, 2009 at 3:45 pm
What a load of crap!
DH
March 15, 2009 at 3:39 pm
“[H]e can’t man a position. It’s why Benitez takes him out late in games.”
Really? Did you actually write this?
N
March 15, 2009 at 3:27 pm
What nonsense.
However, a challenge to the writer.
Jot down a list of all possible facets a player can have to their game (tackling, heading, defending, short passing, long passing, speed, goalscoring ability, etc, etc)
Mark each category out of 10 for Gerrard.
And then try, just try to get another player currently playing who will score more.
Gerrard isn’t the most talented player in the world, he doesn’t score the most goals – but it’s fairly unquestionable he’s the best overall player in the world – the most complete.
Modgai Mwansa
September 3, 2010 at 1:08 pm
weather you like it or not, believe it or not, Steven Gerrard is the best player in the world. Nowonder he was choosen the most outstanding 2010 Fifa World Cup. Indeed the man deserves it lol!!!!!!
mightyred
March 15, 2009 at 3:17 pm
A.W. is right in everything he said. what a bastard are you to write such nonsense?!
A.W. is right
March 15, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Yup, AW is right.
Another shit article picked up by Newsnow…. almost on par with the shite that spews forth from the keyboard of Mr Comfort on a daily basis.
That last sentence just shows how much you know about football. Using Keane as a comparison?
‘kin ell you blurt.
A.W.
March 15, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Just another stupid moron’s article. You are a wannabe writer, a wannabe expert on football and a bloody hypocrite. Shame on you stupid prick.
stacystockton
January 29, 2012 at 7:05 pm
i no right